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10 Weird and Wonderful things to do in Tokyo

One thing is for certain on the streets of Tokyo – things get weird. But as weird as it gets in Tokyo, it is always somehow wonderful… from cat cafes to restaurants with dancing robots, here are some of the best, in search of the weird and wonderful things to do in Tokyo, Japan!

Weird & Wonderful: Things to do in Tokyo

Be Entertained by Robots

…I mean, they’re not actual robots and mostly the entertainment consists of dancing people in robot costumes, but all in all this is an incredibly weird AND wonderful way to spend an evening in Tokyo. Located in Shinjuku, the Robot Cabaret is one of the weirder things to do in Tokyo – winning the title of total must do if you’re in search of the whackier side to this intriguing city.

Take a walk down Memory Lane

Also located in Shinjuku is the incredibly popular Memory Lane, located on the west side of Shinjuku Station. This one is more on the wonderful side, as it is a laneway filled with local bars and eateries – a great insight into the Tokyo time forgot.

Try your hand at Karaoke

If you’re a Lost in Translation fan like me, your idea of Tokyo is busy streets, flashing neon lights, a karaoke bars. Should you wish to visit the Karaoke Bar Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray did, you totally can! You’ll find that bar in Shibuya, just a five minute walk from the station at Karaoke-kan (30-8 Utagawacho).

Visit a Cat Cafe

One of the earliest animal cafes trends or perhaps the one that started it all are the highly talked about cat cafes. Tokyo is now full of them so you have plenty to choose from and yes – as it sounds – you enter the cafe to hang out with domesticated cats and sip a cup of tea. Quite sophisticated!

Navigate the crowds at Shibuya Crossing

While more on the wonderful side (though at times can still be weird!), the highly talked about Shibuya Crossing is Tokyo’s scramble of pedestrian crossings that create a manic intersection, with flashing neon signs and billboards galore. As the pedestrian traffic hits the streets, the entire crossing comes to life and it is a great spectacle to be a part of – so be sure to cross a few times for effect!

Visit the Owl Cafe

If you’re looking for a guaranteed hoot in Tokyo, head on over to the owl cafe. Although I questioned it at first (not being a fan of wild animals being used as pets), the cafe seems to have some very strict rules in place to ensure these animals are well looked after. The animals are also born in captivity and raised as pets (much like domesticated animals such as cats and dogs), so the arrangement seems to be legit. Its as simple as it sounds – you come in, pay to hang out with owls for an hour, take some photos, have a drink, and leave with a new (or increased) love for these gorgeous animals.

Go Bunny crazy at Nicolas Charles’ Bunny Loving Cafe

There are so many fun character cafes to choose from in Tokyo but the one that caught my eye most (and resulted in two days of searching for it) was the Nicolas Charles House – dedicated to bunnies in every way imaginable. As you walk in you are offered a pair of bunny ears to dine in, followed by a bunny-friendly menu full of fun treats. The parfaits are for sure the most photogenic choice, and the caramel flavoured bunny parfait was DELICIOUS (just – so – rich!!!)

Solo traveller? Visit the Moomin Anti-loneliness Cafe

Enter Kiddy Land

Located in Harajuku is this impressive multi-storey toy house, selling everything from Hello Kitty to Sailor Moon, Peanuts and everything in between! Don’t expect to just see kids in here, though – this is great fun for adults too!

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I have to admit that when I saw Shoshanna working at a cat cafe last week on Girls, I decided that it was something I had to see with my own eyes. I’d never heard of it before! Need to get back to Japan ASAP!
Jessica

Tokyo sounds incredible. There are so many places I want to visit (I get such wanderlust reading travel posts) and you’ve just added this to my list! The bunny cafe sounds super sweet, and belting out a song (all be it in the worst singing voice to ever grace Tokyo) in the Lost In Translation location sounds great fun!

I passed that Bunny Cafe so many times when I was in Japan and now I’m kinda mad at myself for not going in BUT I did go to the Moomin cafe and had the best dessert ever made all the more better by the fact that Moomin Papa was our dinner companion haha! I love Japan so much xoxo

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3 years ago

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Tessa / Bramble & Thorn

Japan is definitely the best place I’ve ever visited, and can definitely attest to these points! I just about lost my head in Kiddyland, all of the Sailor Moon and Ghibli merchandise definitely lightened my wallet!

Ha! That anti-lonliness cafe sounds like an interesting experience. Not that I wouldn’t want to have meal with a stuffed animal. Just a super unique experience. I guess that’s Japan though! Can’t wait to visit!

FROM THE EDITOR:

Hello, Hola, Bonjour!
My name is Brooke Saward and I have been travelling the world solo for the past seven years. Here you can find my travel inspiration & advice to help plan your own adventures or gain the confidence to travel solo. Thanks for stopping by!